Most oral heartworm preventatives are well tolerated. They may be given in mosquito season. Year-round administration depends on the mosquito season in your area, discuss with your veterinarian.

If your pet does not tolerate the heartworm preventative well, you may opt to check a heartworm titer (blood test) at the beginning and end of the heartworm season. Alternatively, you can treat with the preventative during occurrences of peak exposure to mosquitoes.

Dogs cannot catch heartworm disease from other dogs; they can only catch it from a mosquito who carries the disease. Cats are very resistant to heartworm disease.

If a healthy dog has a positive heartworm test, treatment approach can be tailored to the individual based on clinical presentation.